Sapphire
Properties of sapphire
As one of the four precious stones, the sapphire is very famous and highly valued throughout the world.
Chemically speaking, the composition of sapphire is based on aluminum oxide crystals, whose chemical formula is Al₂O₃. The color of sapphire is determined by the presence of impurities based on the oxides of various metals. The stone is, in fact, a variety of corundum that can take on several colors except red, which is a characteristic exclusive to ruby.
Blue sapphire owes its color to the presence of titanium and iron in the stone. Yellow or green sapphires are solely due to the presence of iron, chromium gives a pinkish hue, while vanadium produces a purple color.
Discover all our mineral bracelets
Sapphire has a trigonal crystal system, and its fracture is uneven or conchoidal. Sapphire has a vitreous luster and a density of 3.95–4.03. Sapphire is a very hard stone, slightly less hard than diamond, with a hardness of 9 on the Mohs scale (diamond being 10 on the same scale).
The most remarkable sapphire deposits are found primarily in tropical countries. For example, the famous Ilakaka mine in Madagascar produces magnificent stones. The deposits in Ceylon yield unique, brilliant blue stones. Other countries such as Brazil, the United States, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, China, Thailand, and India also have equally exceptional stones.
History of the sapphire
Etymologically, the term sapphire derives from the ancient Greek "sappheiros," which literally means "blue stone," explicitly referring to the sapphire's most famous color. Some people refer to the Hebrew word "sappir" as "the most beautiful thing."
The sapphire is a gemstone known since antiquity, although it was often confused with other blue stones such as lapis lazuli. Several ancient civilizations associated the sapphire with deities and celestial powers. For the Egyptians, the sapphire was considered a sacred stone symbolizing celestial justice. It was frequently used in jewelry during the Ptolemaic period for intaglios, which are engravings depicting the heads of kings or princes.
According to the Old Testament, the sapphire was the stone on which the tablets of the Book of Acts, containing the Ten Commandments sent by God to Moses, were engraved. In the Middle Ages, the sapphire acquired great religious significance. The Catholic Church saw in the stone's blue purity a symbol of the Virgin Mary. It is said that the history of the Catholic Church includes numerous stories and anecdotes related to the virtues, and even miracles, attributed to the sapphire.
Today, sapphire has a huge market value, and is mainly used to make jewelry and luxury ornaments.
Benefits of sapphire
The therapeutic and medicinal properties of sapphire appear to have been recognized since ancient times.
On a physical level, the gentle energy of sapphire is said to help heal infections and fevers. It is believed to help regulate menstruation in women and counteract unwanted nosebleeds.
Sapphire is also said to have benefits in reducing migraines, rheumatic pain, and joint pain. The stone is also highly recommended for combating skin problems and hair loss. It is also considered a good remedy for vision and sleep problems.
On a psychological level, the sapphire is considered one of the most powerful spiritual stones.
Discover all our mineral bracelets
The sapphire, often called the "stone of stones" or the "stone of the wise," is an excellent way to calm energy flows and channel them more effectively throughout the body. A stone of wholeness and elevation, it promotes meditation and dispels negative feelings such as anger and fear. It helps stabilize the self and cultivate more harmonious feelings of inner peace, love for others, courage, self-confidence, and creative passion.
On a karmic level, sapphire is considered suitable for all chakras. However, some believe that sapphire's preferred chakras are the crown chakra and the third eye chakra, primarily due to the stone's exceptional spiritual properties and extrasensory abilities.
Sapphire purification is done simply by immersing the stone in distilled water. It is recharged with soft light, ideally by placing it on a bed of quartz.
